Frandsen, Phillies avoid salary arbitration

Posted by Mandy Housenick | November 13, 2012 at 06:10 PM

No one knows how much playing time Kevin Frandsenwill get in 2013, but the Phillies made sure they let him know they value him.

Frandsen, who started the 2012 season with a minor league contract before having his contract purchased by the Phillies in July, agreed to a one-year, $850,000 deal with the Phillies, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced Tuesday.

The contract includes incentives and performance bonuses. Frandsen had been eligible for salary arbitration.

Frandsen provided solid defense at third base when Gold Glover Placido Polanco was hurt and played so well overall that he retained his starting role even when Polanco was activated.

"Most times, if your’e an older guy, you really have to show us something," manager Charlie Manuel said late last season.

Clearly, Frandsen did.

In 55 games with the Phillies last season, Frandsen hit .338 with 10 doubles, 14 RBIs and a .383 on-base percentage. Only once did he go hitless in back-to-back games.

Frandsen came up with more timely hits than you may be aware of. The California native batted .381 (8-for-21) with two outs and runners in scoring position and hit .386 when games were tied.

Against left-handed pitchers, Frandsen batted .400 (26-65) with six doubles and two triples. The 30-year-old also appeared in 99 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2012, where he hit .302 with 34 doubles and 33 RBIs.

Signed by the Phillies as a minor league free agent prior to the 2011 season, Frandsen is a .267 career hitter in the majors with 39 doubles, nine home runs and 67 RBIs in 283 games between the San Francisco Giants (2006-09), Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2010) and Phillies (2012).

Recent Comments

No-brainer move for the Phils. With 4 guys making over 20 mill per year, you need a few starters at discount prices and besides his salary,Frandsen deserves to start, he earned it. Ruf in left, Brown in right, the Phils need a center fielder to fill the starting lineup. If they can figure a way to pry Brett Gardner away from the Yankees, they'll really be in business.None of the free agent cf's look too appealing to me given that they're looking for long-term deals. Free agency has not been a catalyst for Phil's success.